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Man jailed over terror cell plans Man jailed over terror cell plans
(40 minutes later)
A man who stored up what police called a "vast library of terrorist material" has been jailed for nine years.A man who stored up what police called a "vast library of terrorist material" has been jailed for nine years.
Omar Altimimi of Bolton, was convicted at Manchester Crown Court of six charges of possession of material for a purpose connected with terrorism.Omar Altimimi of Bolton, was convicted at Manchester Crown Court of six charges of possession of material for a purpose connected with terrorism.
He hoarded manuals on how to set up a terror cell and carry out bombings and had identified night clubs and airports among "suitable targets". Recorder of Manchester Judge Maddison said Altimimi, 37, was "a sleeper for some sort of terrorist organisation".
Altimimi, 37, was also convicted of two proceeds of crime offences. Passing sentence, he added: "It is not known, when, if and how you might have been called upon to play your part."
Altimimi, a failed asylum seeker, had denied all knowledge of the material found on his computer and had pleaded not guilty to the charges. Altimimi hoarded manuals on how to set up a terror cell and carry out bombings and had identified night clubs and airports among "suitable targets".
But on Wednesday he was convicted of four counts of possessing computer files connected with the preparation or instigation of an act of terrorism. He had denied all knowledge of the material found on his computer and had pleaded not guilty to the charges.
After further deliberations, the jury at Manchester Crown Court convicted him on Thursday of the two further charges as well as two charges under the 2002 Proceeds of Crime Act. Judge Maddison added: "The offences, contrary to the Terrorism Act are, in my view, of the most serious of their kind likely to come before the court.
"A person convicted of terrorist offences must expect a substantial sentence."
He was also convicted of two charges under the 2002 Proceeds of Crime Act.
Terror cellTerror cell
During his four-week trial, the jury heard how he had arrived in the UK from the Netherlands in 2004.During his four-week trial, the jury heard how he had arrived in the UK from the Netherlands in 2004.
Prosecutors alleged that Altimimi created three identities and was collecting terror information on his computer. Prosecutors said Altimimi created three identities and was collecting terror information on his computer.
He developed a range of identities, which would allow him to expand his terrorist activities. He is a congenital liar and has lied throughout this investigation Detective Chief Superintendent Tony PorterHe developed a range of identities, which would allow him to expand his terrorist activities. He is a congenital liar and has lied throughout this investigation Detective Chief Superintendent Tony Porter
The jury convicted him of possessing files relating to an organisational chart for a terror cell, instructions on bomb detonators, instructions on making explosives, and details about chemical explosives and "bombing strategies".The jury convicted him of possessing files relating to an organisational chart for a terror cell, instructions on bomb detonators, instructions on making explosives, and details about chemical explosives and "bombing strategies".
He was arrested last year on suspicion of money laundering when he tried to withdraw £3,000 believed to have been stolen from the Yemen Tourist Promotion Board, the court was told. The father-of-three was arrested last year on suspicion of money laundering when he tried to withdraw £3,000 believed to have been stolen from the Yemen Tourist Promotion Board.
The prosecution said the computer carrying terror-related files was recovered from Altimimi's home when it was raided seven weeks after his arrest.The prosecution said the computer carrying terror-related files was recovered from Altimimi's home when it was raided seven weeks after his arrest.
'Terror cell' Detective Chief Superintendent Tony Porter, head of the Greater Manchester Police Counter Terrorism Unit, said Altimimi "developed a range of identities, which would allow him to expand his terrorist activities".
Detective Chief Superintendent Tony Porter, head of the Greater Manchester Police Counter Terrorism Unit, said: "We will never know who Altimimi really is. Altimimi used his wife and children to appear as an ordinary family man and blend into the community, he said.
"He developed a range of identities, which would allow him to expand his terrorist activities. He is a congenital liar and has lied throughout this investigation." "But behind closed doors he was downloading shocking videos of executions, bomb-making recipes and information on how to establish a terrorist cell," Det Ch Spt Porter added.
Det Ch Supt Porter said Altimimi used his wife and children to appear as an ordinary family man and blend into the community. He added: "We will never know exactly what Altimimi was preparing to do but it was clear he had support and links with terrorists across the world."
"But behind closed doors he was downloading shocking videos of executions, bomb-making recipes and information on how to establish a terrorist cell," he said.
"He appears to have been a 'sleeper' remaining in the shadows waiting and preparing for action.
"We will never know exactly what Altimimi was preparing to do but it was clear he had support and links with terrorists across the world."
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) revealed that when Altimimi's two computers were seized other material found included a job description for a role with GMP police and application forms for Bolton Council and for a teacher training position.Greater Manchester Police (GMP) revealed that when Altimimi's two computers were seized other material found included a job description for a role with GMP police and application forms for Bolton Council and for a teacher training position.